Treat your sweetheart to a romantic dinner

There are many culinary ways to celebrate
Valentine’s Day, but for Abbas Zolghadr, it’s all about
chocolate sauce, a little liquor, and a match.

“Anytime you can introduce chocolate
sauce and flambé, you have a recipe for romance,” says
Zolghadr, the owner of Z Bistro. “It is a perfect finish to a
meal.”

Z Bistro, the area’s only fondue
restaurant, offers three varieties of dessert fondue: caramel
topped with white rum, dark chocolate with orange liqueur, and
peanut butter–chocolate. The warm concoctions serve as
delicious dipping sauces for fruit, pound cake, chocolate wafers,
and marshmallows. (The liquors are set on fire, burning off most of
the alcohol.) What could be more romantic than dipping skewered
bananas, strawberries, and marshmallows into rich, melted chocolate
and feeding them to someone you love?

“There are so many things that make
fondue dining a romantic experience. I think the most important
thing is the participatory aspect,” Zolghadr says.
“Fondue dining is a chance to slow down and really focus on
the meal because you are actively participating in its
preparation.”

The intimate 60-seat restaurant, lit by
candles and the glow of fondue flames, is one of several local
eateries that can provide a romantic setting on Valentine’s
Day.

Z Bistro is offering a special today (Feb. 10)
through Feb. 14: a four-course meal featuring a choice of cheese
fondues — Swiss, Cheddar, pepper Jack, or a three-cheese
blend (Swiss, Gruyère, and Cheddar); a caesar salad; an
entrée of beef, chicken, shrimp, and scallops; and a
chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter–chocolate dessert fondue
for $49.95 per couple. For $65 per couple, a bottle of wine and
after-dinner drinks are included. Each woman will receive a
complimentary red carnation.

“Most men view fondue as a
‘chick’ meal — something they do to make their
partner happy, but most times the men end up having the best time.
They lose their food in the fondue pot, or they make some type of
huge mess, or they try to orchestrate the cooking schedule —
it makes for lots of humor along with the intimacy,” adds
Zolghadr.

And who says you have to have a significant
other to enjoy the holiday? “Large groups also have a great
time, for many of the same reasons,” he adds.

If your idea of a romantic dinner is a panoramic
view of Springfield, Capisce? Ristorante Italiano’s prime
location on the 30th floor on the Hilton Springfield is a good option.
The restaurant’s modern décor — incorporating aqua
walls, bold floral artwork, and abundant use of glass and mirrors
— provides a comfortable, sophisticated setting. Dine at one of
the U-shaped booths facing the windows for a great view of the city
lights while enjoying a plate of pasta, steak, or fish.

And what would Valentine’s Day be
without still more sweets? Incredibly Delicious, located on the first floor
of the restored Weber House, is the perfect spot for a romantic
lunch, which you can follow with one of owner Patrick Groth’s
special Valentine’s Day pastries — chocolate Bavarian
cake, almond petits fours dipped in pink-tinted white chocolate,
cocoa truffles, sugar cookies in the shapes of hearts and lips.
Ginger-pear tarts will be offered for the non–chocolate
lover.

Z Bistro is located at 220 S. Sixth St.;
217-522-4049. Reservations are required. Incredibly Delicious is
located at 925 S. Seventh St.; 217-528-8548. Lunch is
served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Capisce? is located on the
top floor of the Hilton Springfield, 700 E. Adams St.;
217-789-1530. Hours: 5-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Reservations are
recommended.

Food for a good cause

Several local organizations are serving up
food at fundraisers later this month.

 Sugar
& Spice, the 12th annual chili
supper to support Sparc programs, will be held noon-7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 26, on the west campus of Sacred Heart-Griffin. Red
and white chili, hot dogs, homemade desserts, and beverages will be
served. The event features a silent auction, music, a raffle
drawing, clowns, face-painting, and other activities for children.
Tickets, which cost $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12,
are available at the door and at area sites. For more information,
call 217-793-2100.

 The Roman Cultural Society Italian Dinner, benefiting the Rutledge Youth Foundation, will
take place 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at the Knights of
Columbus Hall located at Meadowbrook and Iles streets. The dinner,
the organization’s sixth annual benefit, includes penne pasta
and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, cannoli, and beverage. Tickets
are $7. Children 6 and under are free (dine-in only). Call
217-525-7757 for tickets. Carryout is available.

 A chili cook-off to
support the Mia Ware Foundation for Cancer Education and Research
will be held noon-6 p.m. at Don’s Place, at 207 W. Morgan in
Jacksonville. Judging begins at 3 p.m., and the winner will be
announced at 5 p.m. For information, call 217-243-2112.